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In the United States, the country's first Black Secretary of State, Colin Powell, who departed this life last month, was remembered by family and friends as his funeral was held in Washington.
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Dignitaries and friends across the military and political spectrum descended on the Washington National Cathedral on a sunny and chilly Friday to pay homage to the trailblazer soldier-diplomat who rose from an unnoticed member of the populace to America's first Black Secretary of State.
Among those who attended his funeral: President Joe Biden, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, former secretaries of states, including Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice, former Defence Secretary Robert Gates, and the current chairman of Joint Chiefs, Army General Mark Milley.
Two former presidents were absent, one of whom is Bill Clinton, who is currently convalescing at home following a severe infection. And conspicuously absent: Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, who public disparaged Powell after his death for having been critical of him.
Powell passed away on October 18, due to complications from COVID at the age of 84.
A number of his friends and former colleagues seized this opportunity to express huge thanks and sympathies, and commiserated with his family over such a great loss.
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